As the PBR's Unleash The Beast rolls into New York City's Madison Square Garden this weekend for the first contest of the new year, PBR.com is highlighting some of the series’ most memorable moments, top riders, career achievements and beyond!
FLAWLESS FINISHES: In other sports it's called a heat check, but in bull riding, it's just another attempt at 8 seconds when No. 1
Andrew Alvidrez
takes the stage in New York City this weekend for the PBR Monster Energy Buck Off at the Garden, presented by Ariat Friday night. Following up on an event-winning, 3-for-3 showcase at the PBR Manchester Invitational, Alvidrez captured his second-straight event title last weekend in Albany, New York amidst a career-best, 6-for-6 ride streak. Bringing a 68.5-point lead over No. 2
Cooper Davis
into MSG, the Seminole, Texas, native has the tour's attention
FAMILIAR FACES: Working your way around the professional pen is part of professional bull riding, but cowboys tend to get up for pairings against some of their favorites (or not so favorites ...). With eight rematches scheduled to take place in Round 1, including 2022 World Champion
Daylon Swearingen
getting a second go against
Soul Train
after bucking off the bovine in 4.45 seconds during the PBR Team Series, and 2020 Rookie of the Year
Boudreaux Campbell
, who gets a rematch with
American Gangster
after finishing in second place last weekend courtesy of a 3-for-3 outing, Friday's slate should be an explosive introduction to what should be another elite year of bull riding
RETURN OF THE CHAMP: Two-time PBR World Champion (2020, 2021)
Jose Vitor Leme
will make his return to competition and corresponding 2023 Unleash The Beast debut since last riding with the
Austin Gamblers
during the inaugural PBR Team Series Championship in Las Vegas. The living legend most recently won the first-ever PBR Team Series MVP race in 2022 after being selected No. 1 overall in the PBR Team Series Draft last spring. Drawing Pickle Moonshine in Friday's opening round, Leme will begin his campaign 334 points behind No. 1 Alvidrez, but time after time, Leme's proved that NOTHING is impossible when you put your head down and trust the process
For all of the statistics, stories and standards heading into this weekend's PBR Monster Energy Buck Off at the Garden, presented by Ariat, be sure to check out this week's Game Notes!
Photo courtesy of Josh Homer/Bull Stock Media